Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has challenged Freddie Blay, the former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, to pursue legal action, asserting that he will not retract his statements regarding Mr Blay’s alleged involvement in acquiring the front space of the Labadi Beach Hotel.

Freddie Blay, who is also the GNPC Board Chair, has issued a one-week ultimatum to Ablakwa, TV3’s management, and Johnnie Hughes, demanding they withdraw what he deems unfounded allegations against him and his family.

Mr Blay maintains that his children lawfully obtained parts of the beachfront from the LA Council and that this property is not under the Labadi Beach Hotel’s management.

Mr Ablakwa has accused Mr Blay and his sons of participating in a broader scheme of state capture, claiming they have acquired interests in the beachfront traditionally managed by the Labadi Beach Hotel. He contends that this acquisition has resulted in the hotel being the only one globally without full control over its beachfront.

Mr Blay responded to these allegations by stating that though initial discussions with the hotel’s management took place, they did not culminate in an agreement. Consequently, his sons approached the La Traditional Council to secure the beachfront for their business endeavours. Mr Blay defended the legality of his sons’ interest in the property and questions why the hotel has not legally contested it.

Responding to Mr Blay threat to pursue legal action, Mr Ablakwa in a Facebook post said, “I cannot retract the truth, Mr. Freddy Blay. Since you are getting no retraction from me, please go to court now — don’t wait for one week. After our Tuesday, 18th June, 2024 ‘Hands Off our Hotels Demonstration’ — Ghanaians should expect more unimpeachable exposés on how the Labadi Beach Hotel lost control over its beachfront to the Blay brothers. We shall not be intimidated in our determination to fight state capture. For God and Country. Ghana First.”